By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 12: Sarawak makes a stride in digital innovation with the launch of Malaysia’s first AI-powered Unmanned Mart, which offers customers a seamless “scan, shop and go” experience powered entirely by artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and computer vision technologies.
According to a news by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), in collaboration with Akayan Solutions Sdn Bhd, officially launched the E-Mart Smart Tap & Go Mart at Baitulmakmur II, Petra Jaya yesterday (Nov 11).
SDEC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani said the initiative marks a significant milestone in realising the aspirations outlined under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, both of which aimed at steering the State towards a cashless and data-driven economy.
“This is based on our AI and IoT technology. It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 30 days a month and 365 days a year,” he said when officiating the launch.
He added that the initiative demonstrates how elements of the digital economy are increasingly being integrated into everyday life.
“All of this is part of the digital economy. Today, we introduce the E-Mart Smart ‘Tap & Go Mart’ as another initiative towards a more inclusive digital economy,” he said.
Powered by SDEC’s proprietary technology, the unmanned mart allows customers to enter by scanning a QR code through the SBOX AI application, select their items, and exit without queueing at a cashier.
Payments are processed automatically via the SBOX AI Wallet, providing a fully autonomous and cashless shopping experience around the clock.
At a press conference following the ceremony, Morshidi said the AI Unmanned Mart concept will be expanded gradually before being franchised across Sarawak.
“For now, we will expand it step by step, just like how we introduced Sarawak Pay (S Pay),” he said.
Morshidi explained that the initiative would first be introduced in selected locations to allow the public to familiarise themselves with the new concept before expanding further.
The Baitulmakmur II building was chosen as the pilot location because it houses over 2,000 employees, making it an ideal starting point to encourage usage and gather feedback before further franchising.
He noted that the project complements existing digital initiatives such as S Pay and smart parking systems, all part of the government’s broader effort to promote innovation and efficiency under the State’s digital economy agenda.
“This includes the online parking payment system. Now, if you want to park by the roadside, there is no need to buy or tear a coupon anymore.
“Everything can be done directly through your phone. Just pay online, it is easier and faster.”
Meanwhile, SDEC chief executive officer Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman said the launch represents a new chapter in Sarawak’s progress towards smart city living.
“It shows how technology can be used meaningfully to facilitate people’s daily affairs while supporting our long-term goals of building a digital and sustainable future,” said Sudarnoto.
Also present at the ceremony was Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, chief executive officer of the Sarawak State Mosque Welfare Trust Board (LAKMNS). — DayakDaily
